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Tulowitzki ramps up intensity of rehab work

Tulowitzki ramps up intensity of rehab work

Troy Tulowitzki

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SAN FRANCISCO -- Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has often said being out of the lineup is difficult. It was darn tough Friday afternoon.

As part of his comeback from left groin surgery in June, Tulowitzki went through his toughest day yet, with a grueling set of movement exercises -- running and lateral movement, among others -- administered by head athletic trainer Keith Dugger at AT&T Park.

"We signed up for this because we want to be out there on the field, so just watching is tough," Tulowitkzi said. "Then you have to rest and you get a little bit out of shape, so they put a whole bunch on your plate to try to catch up. That's what they're doing with me."

Tulowitzki, who hasn't played since May 30, said beyond normal soreness that comes with heavy physical work, he feels good. The next major step will come when the team returns to Denver next week and Tulowitzki will field balls and make throws to first base the way he would in a game. He's been fielding but not throwing and contorting his body into unusual positions the way a shortstop must.

Manager Jim Tracy warned not to get too excited because there are other steps. Tulowitzki is seven weeks into an eight-week prescribed recovery from surgery to clear scar tissue from the groin. But he is feeling more like a part of the team.

"It's getting close," he said. "The stuff I can do out there now, quick steps and running, has made huge improvements. When I get back home and throw after ground balls, that'll be another big step. It seems like every week it's closer and closer."